Our Garage - Fleeting Thoughts

A while back, when I was out enjoying a green-lane or three, I had a fleeting thought that I really should mount my set of ActionTrax on the roof of Deux Smurf for easy access. But just as quickly as it appeared it vanished from my mind, a bit like when you’ve asked for directions, repeated what’s been said and driven offgone, like they were never there in the first place.

The main reason why I gave little thought to putting my ActionTrax on the roof is that I’ve never needed them whilst exploring in the old girl, and they’re usually stored in the boot next to a shovel and a set of recovery ropes untouched. Besides, surely I’d need a proper roof rack to secure them on?

It wasn’t until I had the back of Deux Smurf fully loaded with tents, sleeping bags, my Ecoflow Glacier fridge freezer and other bits when I gave it a bit more thought. Not only wouldn’t they fit, but what would happen if I did manage to squeeze them in, then used them to get me out of a muddy mess, the last thing I would want to do is put them back inside next to a load of clean gear.

Then it occurred to me, I already have a pair of Thule Aero bars fitted, and stashed in the shed I have some Thule Canoe Portage clamps that we use for, well, Winona, our open canoe.

These are designed attach to your bars and secure your canoe by the gunwales to prevent it from sliding from side to side. So, if it works so well with Winona, why not see how it copes with my ActionTrax?

Perfect! After adjusting them to the width of the ActionTrax I sat them on the cushioned weatherresistant base padding, and after a good tap they aren’t going anywhere! Obviously they require securing with a cam-strap or similar, and not only do they look the part, but they’re far easier to grab and put back if they’re ever needed.

I appreciate a product that has duel uses, and although I suspect Thule didn’t have this in mind, it really does work a treat. If you’re interested, here’s the Thule page

And if you fancy a set of ActionTrax, get them here and they are currently discounted with £55 OFF their usual price.